November: The month of football, leaves, and pumpkin spice. The students of North Andover High School (NAHS) have an annual Powder Puff game to raise money for the gift drive at the North Andover Youth Center. A powderpuff game is flag football where girls compete and boys coach. There are three games: juniors versus freshmen, sophomores versus seniors, and the championship game.
Recently, I met with NAHS sophomores Julia Kutz and Jules Taylor to talk about this exciting game. Julia actually works at the Youth Center and also participates in the Youth Council, a volunteer program students can apply to at NAHS. At the youth center, Julia works on Thursdays and Fridays at the front desk as well as supervising and entertaining kids with fun activities. She is also a camp counselor for “Summer Fun.” Julia loves her time at the Youth Center and so do the kids. Last year, registration for “Summer Fun at Drummond Park” filled up in less than 10 minutes!
I asked Julia about her feelings about this game and whether she is feeling the excitement. “Yes, very,” she responded, “I am excited for fun with friends, and doing things for the benefit of other people makes you feel good.” Julia is right. When students play flag football, they help raise money for the holiday and gift drive at the Youth Center. Julia added, ”I think it is a great cause and such a fun way to raise money for kids to receive gifts during the holidays.” Jules Taylor, who participated in Powderpuff last year, agreed,”[The powerpuff game] was a lot of fun and I got about four touchdowns.”
The Town of North Andover always tries to spread kindness to people who need it. The Youth Center is a big part of this effort. Julia stated, “If the Youth Center did not exist, North Andover would not be the same.” I couldn't agree more. Hopefully, this fundraiser will continue to grow and put smiles on children’s faces when they receive gifts from the Youth Center.